Why Builders Should Always Start with a Detailed Site Survey

Builders know that before building a house on a block, the block needs to have a solid foundation. However, before a house or commercial building is built, a detailed site survey should be done of the block. A detailed site survey, also known as a topographic survey, is a building surveyor Brisbane provides that is an important first step in the building process.

Detailed Site Survey

A detailed site survey is a comprehensive examination of a piece of land. It collects information about its physical features, such as topography, existing structures, vegetation, and other features. The survey provides accurate measurements of contours, levels, existing buildings, trees, drainage lines, utilities, and more. This information is vital for builders and designers to plan and execute a project efficiently and effectively.

Building a structure without a detailed site survey is like building a house of cards on shaky ground. The information a detailed site survey provides will allow for more accurate planning and help avoid costly mistakes during construction. One of the primary risks of not getting a site survey before building is inadvertently building on or too close to a property boundary. Boundary disputes with neighbours can be messy and expensive to resolve. It’s not uncommon for a structure to need to be modified or even demolished in these cases.

Issues with topography can also arise if a site survey is not conducted. The land may appear to be relatively flat to the naked eye but could actually have a significant slope when measured. The type of contour and detail survey provided by a surveyor Brisbane will provide a builder with the required information. Not having this information could lead to costly site works in the form of excavation or retaining walls and a need to change foundation designs.

Builders also need to be aware of underground infrastructure or easements that could impact the proposed build. These can include sewer lines, stormwater drains, water mains, power lines, or other buried services. Underground utility lines or easements can sometimes be difficult to locate without a detailed site survey. A detailed site survey conducted by a qualified land surveyor Brisbane business will reveal these features, allowing for proper planning and design around them.

Planning and design of the drainage of a new build will be critical in ensuring there are no problems during or after construction. This can be achieved by understanding the existing ground levels, which a detailed survey will provide.

Regulatory Requirements and Industry Standards

In many cases, local council policies or even state government legislation require that a survey be submitted with a building application. This requirement can include a need for existing structures and property boundary information to be submitted, which is what a building survey in Brisbane will provide. While in these cases the site survey may be required by a local council, whether they are required or not, a site survey is a valuable tool to use at the beginning of a project.

Surveys offered by companies like Surveyors Brisbane provide accurate, up-to-date information that reduces risk, expedites approvals, and results in a legal and correctly positioned finished structure. The survey will provide a record of the existing conditions of the land, which the builder, the client, and the council can all rely upon. A building survey Brisbane can conduct will also be up to date. In an area such as Brisbane which is prone to storm damage and cyclones, this is important as many of these features can change.

Site set out

A site survey is an important starting point for the construction of a building. Surveyors can also help with construction set-out, which is the physical marking of the structure on the site. The set-out shows the builder the footprint of the building as approved by council and other specific aspects of the structure. This process ensures that the structure is constructed in the correct location and to the correct dimensions.

Site set-out is important as it is the physical translation of the design drawings onto the land. It involves marking out the positions of specific points on the building, such as corners, centres of walls, and other critical points. This ensures that the builder is working with the correct location and size when the construction of the structure is happening. An incorrect site set-out can lead to errors in the structure that are difficult and expensive to fix.

For example, a site set-out might indicate that a house is to be built on a sloped block of land. If this information is not known and the design of the house is created based on inaccurate or assumed information, the house design might not work with the actual levels on site. This can cause problems with stormwater runoff, excessive excavation or fill, or even structural instability.

Site set-out is also important for aspects such as drainage. Poor drainage planning is one of the most common causes of damage to new builds, particularly in areas that receive heavy rainfall. A site survey would give information about the site such as existing and required elevations, which a site set-out process will use to determine an effective drainage plan. This helps to prevent water from pooling around foundations or other areas, which can cause long-term damage.

Site surveys and set-out processes also aid in project management and budgeting. They allow builders to provide more accurate pricing and avoid budget blowouts. The surveys and set-out also make it easier to coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and other consultants, as everyone is working with the same information. This can result in better communication, more accurate estimates, and a smoother construction process.

Site surveys and set-out are two processes that are important in the construction of a building. A site survey will provide an accurate record of the existing conditions of the land, including boundaries and other features. A site set-out will then physically mark the land where the structure is to be built. Both are important steps that aid in project management, budgeting, and the construction of a building.

Conclusion

Builders who skip site surveys do so at their peril. In the construction industry, where profit margins can be tight, and risks are always present, taking shortcuts can be tempting. However, foregoing the site survey step can lead to more significant issues, such as incorrect site boundaries, failure to account for existing features, and potential regulatory non-compliance. Building starts with a site survey for a reason.